POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Immediately following surgery: You should keep your head elevated on several pillows when lying down
for the first 48 hours. Apply ice compresses to the operative site as tolerated for the first 24 hours. You can
either use a frozen bag of vegetables, frozen gel mask, frozen damp wash cloth or other methods to keep the
area cold and reduce swelling and pain. The compress can be applied over a thin gauze or tissue.
Showering: You may shower the day after your surgery but only let the water run over your face, do not let
the water hit you directly in the face.
Make-Up: Do not apply make-up on the incision line for two weeks. You may wear make-up on the areas
around the incision line.
Bleeding: You should expect some oozing of blood from your surgical site for the first day. Some swelling
and bruising is expected. If there is a steady stream of blood, place direct pressure over the surgical site with
a gauze or clean cloth for 15 minutes. If the bleeding persists call Dr. Linder at the number listed below or go
to the nearest emergency room.
Pain: Most of our patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort but this varies. You may take
Tylenol or if you were given a prescription for pain medicine, take as directed. Ice compresses provide
excellent pain relief and this should be used as described above. If you are having severe pain, this is unusual
and you should call Dr. Linder.
Medication: You were likely given a tube of ointment or drops when you were discharged. The ointment
should be applied to the incision line twice daily. Drops should be used four times daily if prescribed. The
medicine should be continued for 1 week or until you are seen by Dr. Linder.
Activity: Avoid strenuous activity or bending over for the first 5 days. It is best to keep the head of the bed
elevated during this time. You can likely resume your normal activities after this.
Follow-up Care: Please call the office at (901) 680-1990 to schedule an appointment for 1 to 2 weeks after
surgery.
I hope you had a pleasant surgical experience and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to treat you. Do
not hesitate to call if you have any questions. My cell phone for after hours is (901) 216-3505.
Sincerely,
James S. Linder, M.D.